Cirrhotic portal hypertension could complicate impaired intestinal barrier function,small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota,further exacerbate the severity of cirrhosis.TIPS might lead to hepatic encephalopathy(HE).The research progresses in correlations of cirrhotic portal hypertension,TIPS related HE and gut microbiota were reviewed in this article.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2(rIL-2)therapy on immunocyte subsets and its side effects in children with solid tumor.Methods:A total of 22 children(11 males and 11 females)with solid tumor in our department from December 2012 to November 2017 were selected,with a median age of 9(3-16)years old when starting IL-2 therapy.ALL surgeries and chemotherapy of children had been completed before low-dose rIL-2 therapy,and 17 cases achieved complete remission(CR)and 5 cases achieved partial remission(PR).A low-dose rIL-2 therapy was given 1 month after chemotherapy for 1 year:4 × 105 IU/(m2·d),s.c.for every other day,3 times per week.The immunocyte subsets were detected every 3 months until the end of treatment,meanwhile,disease condition and therapy-related side effects were followed up.Results:After low-dose rIL-2 therapy in 22 children,the absolute values of CD3+T cells,CD3-CD56+natural killer cells,CD3+CD4+helper T cells(Th)and CD3+CD8+cytotoxic T cells were up-regulated remarkably,as well as Th/suppressor T cells(all P＜0.05).While,there were no significant differences in absolute value and proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127-Treg cells during therapy.Among the 17 children who achieved CR before rIL-2 therapy,14 cases continued to maintain CR after therapy,while 3 cases relapsed,and with 2 died after treatment abandonment.The 5 children who achieved PR before low-dose rIL-2 therapy were evaluated CR by PET/CT scan after treatment.In the early stage of low-dose rIL-2 therapy,1 child developed skin rashes at the injection sites,and 2 children ran a slight to mild transient fever.Their symptoms disappeared without any organ damage after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion:Low-dose rIL-2 therapy has good drug tolerance,and changes the distribution of anti-tumor immune-cell subgroup in peripheral blood of children with solid tumor remarkably without up-regulation of absolute value and ratio of Treg cells.

Objective:To evaluate the gene mutation profile and prognostic significance of adult cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. Methods:Targeted sequencing was implemented on the diagnostic bone marrow DNA samples of 141 adult CN-AML subjects with CEBPA-bZIP mutation. The nomogram model for leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate was generated by combining genetic abnormalities and clinical data. Risk stratification was conducted based on prognostic variables and the effect of risk-adjusted consolidation therapy was investigated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results:Four variables were finally included in our nomogram model after multivariate Cox analysis,and an equation for risk score calculation was obtained,risk score=1.3002×white blood cell (WBC) (≥18.77×109/L)+1.4065×CSF3R mutation positive+2.6489×KMT2A mutation positive+1.0128×DNA methylation-related genes mutation positive. According to the nomogram model,patients were further divided into low-risk group (score=0,n=46) and high-risk group (score>0,n=95). Prognostic analysis showed that the 5-year LFS rate,5-year overall survival (OS) rate,and 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in the high-risk group were 93.5％,97.1％,and 3.5％,while those in patients who received maintenance chemotherapy were 32.9％,70.5％,and 63.4％,respectively. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Allo-HSCT could significantly improve the prognosis of patients in high-risk group. However,no corresponding benefit was observed in the low-risk group. Conclusion:Adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation has a complex co-mutation pattern. The nomogram model based on mutations of CFS3R,KMT2A and DNA methylation-related genes together with WBC count can further divide this subset of patients into a relatively low-risk group and a relatively high-risk group. For individuals in the high-risk group,allo-HSCT is proposed as post-remission therapy. The above data will benefit the prognosis estimation and treatment decision for adult CN-AML with CEBPA-bZIP mutation.

Objective:To investigate the effect of genetic polymorphism of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) on methotrexate (MTX) related toxicity in pediatric mature B-cell lymphoma patients. Methods:Fifty-eight intermediate and high risk patients under 18 years of age with mature B-cell lymphoma who received 5 g/m2 MTX (24 h intravenous infusion) in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from August 2014 to December 2021 were included,and their toxicity of high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) were monitored and analyzed. Results:Among the 58 pediatric patients,the number of CC,CT,and TT genotypes for MTHFR C677T was 33,19 and 6,respectively. A total of 101 courses of HD-MTX therapy were counted,of which plasma MTX level>0.2 μmol/L at 48 h post-MTX infusion were observed in 35 courses,≤0.2 μmol/L in 66 courses. Inter-group comparison showed that plasma MTX level>0.2 μmol/L at 48 h post-MTX infusion increased the risk of developing oral mucositis (P<0.05). Compared with wild-type (CC genotype),patients in the mutant group (CT+TT genotype) were more likely to develop myelosuppression,manifested as anemia,leucopenia,neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. However,plasma MTX level at 48 h was not associated with MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism. Conclusion:The risk of developing oral mucositis in children with mature B-cell lymphoma is associated with plasma MTX concentration. Polymorphism of MTHFR C677T gene is not related to plasma MTX concentration in children with mature B-cell lymphoma,but is related to grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ hematological toxicity.

Objective:To explore the effect of psychological nursing on the prognosis of male patients with urethral riding inju-ry treated by ureteroscopic urethral catheter implantation(UCI).Methods:This study included 63 male patients with urethral strad-dle injury treated in the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from February 2020 to March 2023.We divided the patients into a control(n=29)and an experimental group(n=34)according to the odd-or even-numbered days of admission and treated them by ureteroscopic UCI.Meanwhile those of the former group received routine nursing care and the latter underwent psychological nursing intervention in addition.We obtained the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores of the patients,recorded their postoperative pain scores,catheter-removal time,hospitalization days,postoperative complications and o-verall recovery status,and compared the data collected between the two groups.Results:At 3 days after surgery,both the SAS and SDS scores were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control(SAS:45.2±2.9 vs 50.4±3.6,P<0.05;SDS:41.9±2.5 vs 48.3±4.0,P<0.05),and so were the pain scores at24 hours(6.2±0.6 vs 6.8±0.9,P<0.05),48 hours(4.9±0.7 vs 6.1±0.8,P<0.05)and 72 hours after surgery(2.5±0.6 vs 3.9±0.9,P<0.05).The hospitalization time was remarkably shorter in the experimental than in the control group([14.1±2.9]vs[16.1±3.4]d,P<0.05),but there was no statistically significant difference in the time of postoperative catheterization between the two groups of patients([19.3±3.7]vs[19.6±4.4]d,P>0.05).A30-day postoperative follow-up found2 cases of difficult urination in the control group but no com-plications in the experimental group.Conclusion:Ureteroscopic UCI is a safe,effective and minimally invasive treatment method for male urethral riding injury,and psychological nursing helps not only shorten the time of catheterization and hospitalization but also a-void postoperative complications.

Due to traditional professional divisions, the practice of endoscopy by gastro-intestinal surgeons in China remains controversial. However, with the evolution of treatment philo-sophies, medical technology, and equipment advancements, a trend of integration between tradi-tional surgery and endoscopy is emerging. Gastrointestinal surgeons performing endoscopy can maxi-mize patient benefits, and they naturally possess advantages in conducting endoscopic procedures. It is recommended to further establish entry thresholds for surgeons to perform endoscopy, provide standardized endoscopic training for surgeons, and coordinate efforts at the administrative depart-ment. With the support of artificial intelligence, more patients can receive minimally invasive, indivi-dualized, and precise treatments.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of Alirocumab in reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and substandard blood lipids and its effect on atheroscle-rotic plaque.Methods:A total of 127 CHD patients with substandard blood lipids who were treated in Shenzhen Longhua District People's Hospital between September 2017 and March 2021 were selected.According to patients re-ceived Alirocumab therapy or not,they were divided into control group(n=81)and combined group(n=46).The control group remained original statin therapeutic regimen,while combined group received additional PCSK9 inhibi-tor Alirocumab injection based on original statin therapeutic regimen,75mg subcutaneously,once every 2 weeks.Both groups were treated for 3 months,then followed up for 12 months.Levels of total cholesterol(TC)and LDL-C,plaque fiber cap thickness,lipid plaque radian,lipid plaque length and minimum lumen cross-sectional area before and after 12-month follow-up,and incidence of adverse reactions and clinical endpoint events were com-pared between two groups.Results:After 12-month follow-up,compared with control group,combined group had significant lower plasma levels of TC[(3.48±1.04)mmol/L vs.(2.29±0.76)mmol/L],LDL-C[(2.08±0.53)mmol/L vs.(1.27±0.41)mmol/L],lipid plaque radian[(107.22±13.29)° vs.(92.65±11.81)°]and lipid plaque length[(5.45±0.89)mm vs.(4.84±0.82)mm],and significant higher plaque fiber cap thickness[(123.60±14.87)μm vs.(131.46±14.29)μm]and minimum lumen cross-sectional area[(2.51±0.37)mm2 vs.(2.69±0.33)mm2](P＜0.01 all).There was no significant difference in incidence rates of adverse reactions(x2=0.428,P=0.513)and clinical endpoint events(x2=0.253,P=0.615)between two groups.Conclusion:Alirocumab can significantly reduce LDL-C level,increase the plaque fiber cap thickness and lumen cross-section-al area,reduce the internal lipid load of plaque and improve the stability of plaque with good safety in CHD patients with substandard blood lipids.

Objective To design an embedded cervical spine health intelligent system for health monitoring and disease prevention of cervical spine.Methods The system was composed of a portable monitoring terminal,a cloud server and a WeChat App.The portable monitoring terminal consisted of a data acquisition module,a data processing module and an IoT communication module,in which the data acquisition module used JY 901-S as the main data sensor,the data processing had STM32F4 as the main control chip and China-made RT-Thread as the embedded operating system and realized classified head motion identification with an activity recognition model,and the IoT communication module selected an ESPRESSIF ESP32-C3 series Wi-Fi Bluetooth dual-mode module.The cloud server had a Web server architecture of Linux+Nginx+uWSGI,which stored user data with MySQL database and assessed cervical health status with an evaluation model.The WeChat App was developed with WXML+WXSS+WXS.Results The system developed basically realized the functions for health status monitoring and motion guidance of cervical spine,with an average accuracy for classified head motion identification higher than 90％and a measurement accuracy for neck joint mobility being±1°.Condusion The system developed effectively help users establish and maintain regular cervical spine health exercise behaviors,and provides hospitals and other institutions with reliable rehabilitation exercise treatment programs and rehabilitation care data support.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(8):26-31]

The application of pesticides(mostly insecticides and fungicides)during the tea-planting process will undoubtedly increase the dietary risk associated with drinking tea.Thus,it is necessary to ascertain whether pesticide residues in tea products exceed the maximum residue limits.However,the complex matrices present in tea samples comprise a major challenge in the analytical detection of pesticide residues.In this study,nine types of lateral flow immunochromatographic strips(LFICSs)were developed to detect the pesticides of interest(fenpropathrin,chlorpyrifos,imidacloprid,thiamethoxam,acet-amiprid,carbendazim,chlorothalonil,pyraclostrobin,and iprodione).To reduce the interference of tea substrates on the assay sensitivity,the pretreatment conditions for tea samples,including the extraction solvent,extraction time,and purification agent,were optimized for the simultaneous detection of these pesticides.The entire testing procedure(including pretreatment and detection)could be completed within 30 min.The detected results of authentic tea samples were confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS),which suggest that the LFICS coupled with sample rapid pretreatment can be used for on-site rapid screening of the target pesticide in tea products prior to their market release.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]